Before the Empire
The Empire of Mali emerged after the decline of Ghana[i]. Like Ghana, it was inhabited and built by Mande-speaking peoples, whom shared a common culture[ii] The people were known as the Mandinka (also called Malinke or Mandingo)[iii], and acted as middlemen in the gold trade during the later period of ancient Ghana[iv]. The empire of Mali developed from the state of Kangaba [v]. Before the establishment of the empire, Mandinka history describes how the Mandinka were divided into twelve clans, each made up of hunters, blacksmiths, or artisans[vi]. Each clan had its own king, or mansa (which means "lord")[vii], and they often went to war against one another[viii]. The founder of the Mali Empire was Sundiata Keita
[ix], who is fabled to have had prophecies that he was destined to unite Mali made about him even before he was born[x]. Upon his birth, however, the boy who would be king could not walk, and was not able to do so until seven years old[xi]. Because of this, his half-brother, Samanguru, became ruler, and Sundiata and his mother were exiled[xii]. He built relationships and alliances with other rulers [xiii], and when the people revolted because of Samanguru's harsh and ineffective rule, Sundiata lead and won a decisive victory[xiv]. Sundiata established Niani, his birthplace, as the new capital of the Mali kingdom-soon to be Mali empire [xv].
[ix], who is fabled to have had prophecies that he was destined to unite Mali made about him even before he was born[x]. Upon his birth, however, the boy who would be king could not walk, and was not able to do so until seven years old[xi]. Because of this, his half-brother, Samanguru, became ruler, and Sundiata and his mother were exiled[xii]. He built relationships and alliances with other rulers [xiii], and when the people revolted because of Samanguru's harsh and ineffective rule, Sundiata lead and won a decisive victory[xiv]. Sundiata established Niani, his birthplace, as the new capital of the Mali kingdom-soon to be Mali empire [xv].
Sundiata and the Empire
After his victory over Sumanguru in 1235, Sundiata and his army rapidly conquered a vast area, which was roughly three times the size of the former Empire of Ghana [xvi]. As prophesied, Sundiata united all twelve tribes, and he himself became their mansa. He established an efficient government system by appointing governors to rule distant provinces and allowed the kings of the lesser conquered kingdoms to continue ruling their own areas as long as their acknowledged his authority and paid an annual tribute[xvii]. Ultimately, Sundiata brought a period of peace and prosperity. He reestablished gold and salt trade and transformed the empire from a war-oriented one, to an agriculture based one by adopting agriculture training programs and encouraging many soldiers to become farmers[xviii].
Mansa Musa: The Lion of Mali
Following the accidental death of Sundiata in 1255, his son, Mana Wali ruled until his death in 1270[xix]. Following Mansa Wali's death, the empire was plunged into uncertainty as several possible leaders struggled for power[xx]. It wasn't until 1307 that Mansa Musa ('Musa' means "Moses" in Arabic) took the throne [xxi]. Mansa Musa is Mali's most famous ruler, and one of Africa's most famous kings. Under his rule, the Empire of Mali doubled in size and tripled the volume of its trade[xxii]. New gold mines in the east were discovered, and Mansa Musa's army, Sagman-dir, captured the capital of Songhay, Gao, which gave Mali control of the copper mines (which was said to have been the main source of Mansa Musa's wealth)[xxiii]. Mansa Musa is famous for being the richest human being in history, who amassed $400 billion during his reign[xxiv]. In addition to being famous for his wealth, Mansa Musa is remembered for his great influence in spreading Islam in western Africa and his famous journey to Mecca; his completion of the Hajj [xxv]. After the passing of Musa, Mali never again had a leader that was powerful or influential enough to hold it together[xxvi].
Social and Political Orginization
The political and social layout of the Empire of ancient Mali is not specified significantly. The people were ruled by a king known as a "Mansa" who has ultimate power, and each area of the empire was controlled by a lesser ruler who still acknowledged the authority of the Mansa. The social structure and organization is not emphasized, with very little to no information about the topic. It is suggested that the empire was divided into smaller sections, and the people living in each of these sections would have most likely had social divisions or classes.